Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden admits it is 'difficult' for him to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England squad but he does harness ambitions to do so.

The 24-year-old has been one of United's in-form players of 2019, and has continued his good form of last season into the new campaign.

With the first round of Euro 2020 qualifiers under-way, Southgate called up the relatively inexperienced Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings to his squad - with some asking questions if Hayden will ever get a look in.

Read More

Speaking before the game, Hayden was well aware of the names currently on the teamsheet.

"Unfortunately, for me, I’ve got Jordan Henderson, Liverpool captain and Champions League winner, who in the last couple of years has really stepped up his game to the levels where he is now.

“Then you’ve obviously also got Declan Rice, who’s 20, and who has quit the Ireland, so it’s difficult to leave him out.

“It’s difficult for me to get in there, but I think the most important thing for me is to just keep playing the games I’m doing. If I’m playing the games and performing to the required level, then if I get in, I get in. If not, I’ll carry on playing and working.”